Black & White Wednesday: 2010 Summer Family Vacation

Remember me my fellow black & white Wednesday participants? What? You don't? Well, that could have something to do with the fact that I haven't participated in black & white Wednesday over at Lisa's blog for months and months. And you know what? I've missed it!

Much the same way that I've been slacking on black & white Wednesday posts, I've also been a slacker in posting anything from our August summer family vacation. So I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and post some black & white photos from our recent trip! A busy girl like me has to find shortcuts anyway I can!

On vacation, my husband and I took our four kiddos to the Poconos, then to Philadelphia, and finally to Washington D.C. It was a great time, too short as many vacations seem to be. But many memories {and photos} were made.

Here's just a few in black and white. I'll try to post a few more from vacation later this week!

I love this photo of my husband with our four kids, taken while on a hike in the Poconos...


And here's Gavin exploring life outside his hiking backpack...


Another one taken while on a hike. We are a hiking family, what can I say! I love vintage-looking B&W's like this one...


And here is a shot from Washington D.C. The kids are sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, looking out onto the Washington Monument...


Chloe in the big city...


And one last shot, of Chloe and me...


Thanks for visiting! To check out more black & white photography, visit The Long Road to China.

Another one bites the dust...

...Another tooth, that is. Gabe came home from school today missing his front tooth. I don't think he's ever looked cuter...





My seven-year-old keeps growing up, whether I like it or not.

Chloe modeling Huggalugs

I have some exciting news and had to share! I just got word that Huggalugs, which makes the cutest leg and arm warmers for little ones, plans to use images of Chloe for their national marketing campaign. For more information on the photo shoot that we recently did for Huggalugs, check out my photo blog: Sanders Photography And Design Blog.

Chloe goes to preschool

After months and months of anticipation {on Chloe's part, not on mine most days} Chloe finally went to her first day of preschool today!

She was actually prepared to go last night.

As I gave her a bath before bedtime, I told Chloe that we needed to get her school stuff ready as a means to coax her out of the tub. She loves bath time, and sometimes needs incentive to call it quits. Well, my coaxing strategy backfired. Although it did work to get Chloe out of that bathtub in seconds flat, it also made her think that she was going to school...right now. After getting her supplies and backpack ready, it was time to get school clothes laid out for the morning. But instead, Chloe wanted to put them on, insisting that school was starting any minute. "My backpack is ready mom, now get me ready. Pleeeaaaassse!" Yes, backfire big time. Smart one mom.

Thankfully, it only took me a little while to settle Chloe down, distract her with two bedtime stories instead of the usual one, and she was soon fast asleep.

Fast forward to this morning. Chloe slept in. Isn't it funny how kids always sleep in on days you don't want them to, and never sleep in on the days you wish they would?

So, we scurried around getting Chloe dressed, hair done, breakfast eaten, and after a few photos, it was time to head to school.

I actually think that Chloe sleeping late this morning was God's blessing to me, because being hurried to get her to school took my mind off of the fact that she's going to preschool. She's not a baby anymore, but instead a big girl. She's a preschooler.

We took all the standard photos. Photos of the big preschooler all dressed and ready for school...


of the backpack, complete with her name...


a photo in front of the {very sunny} school sign...


And by the school building...


photos of Chloe at her locker...


and at her desk...



photos of Chloe learning the morning routine from her teacher...



Needless to say, Chloe was ecstatic to finally be at school, with the big kids.

There was one very teary little boy, crying for his mom and not wanting her to leave. Chloe asked me, "What's wrong with that little boy, mommy?" I explained that some kids actually miss their parents while they're away at school. That this little boy may be a bit scared to be at school. Chloe responded, very matter-of-fact, "But, it's fun mom! School is so very, very fun! And he'll see his mommy later."

And in a way, her impromptu speech about that little boy can be applied to this mom, as I type away at the keyboard, tears welling up in my eyes. School is fun, and I'll see my happy, confident, outgoing, fearless little girl later. And she'll be just fine.

But I will still miss her, and I still feel that she's turned three in the blink of an eye. Time goes by so very fast, and I continue to pray that the Lord will continue to impart on my heart the desire and longing to cherish every moment. For before you know it, your baby isn't a baby anymore. She's a preschooler...

Chloe is a Fashion Friend!

Many of my family and friends already know that Chloe has been modeling for the past few months.

Through my photography business and my beautiful little girl, we have been given the unique opportunity to model {Chloe} and photograph {me} clothing items of various types. In exchange for the photographs, Chloe either gets to keep the clothing or accessories, which she {and mom} love {!} or we get compensated for the photographs, which are then used by the businesses for advertising. It has been such a fun adventure thus far, getting sweaters or leg warmers or beautiful, one-of-a-kind boutique fashions in the mail for Chloe to play dress up and me to take fun photos of! But recently, we've stepped up to the next level.

There is a new business venture called "Fashion Friends." Fashion Friends is a fun-loving group of seven close friends with fun fashion names: Rose Ruffles, Faith Flowers, Annie Argyle, Priscilla Pettiskirt, Patti Polkadots, Liz Leopard and Maggie Mod...



Fashion Friends will include a series of books, games, cartoons, fashion dolls and a clothing line, for both the dolls and for the little girls who play with them. I have been in contact with the creator of Fashion Friends, Gretchen, who is a conservative Christian woman who loves fashion as much {or maybe even a bit more} than me. Along with her husband, Jeff, the two have such a neat mission for Fashion Friends outlined on their website: "The goal of this project is to create wholesome entertainment for girls that is inspiring and fun." To learn more about Fashion Friends, visit www.fashionfriendsclub.com.

Now that you've been introduced to Fashion Friends, I can happily announce why I'm taking so much time to write about it...


Chloe has been chosen to represent "Faith Flowers" in the Fashion Friends advertising campaign!!!

There was a model search for a little girl with dark blonde/lt brown hair {with a reddish tint,} light skin, and deep blue eyes to represent "Faith Flowers." Chloe's photos were considered and, as the congratulatory letter says, "

Coming in the Summer 2010, the "Fashion Friends," a fun-loving group of 7 close friends with fun fashion names:

Rose Ruffles, Faith Flowers, Annie Argyle, Priscilla Pettiskirt, Patti Polkadots, Liz Leopard and Maggie Mod

Authored by Gretchen Baker and illustrated by Jeff Baker, owners of Baby Gassy Gooma, a girls clothing line. The book, "Dreams" introduces you to all the fun characters and shares what each aspires to be when she grows up. This is the first in a series of books. The... (read more)

After careful consideration and lengthy deliberation, we have chosen Chloe to represent and be the "face" of Faith Flowers for our new clothing line." The letter came complete with this cute side-by-side photo of Chloe and Faith Flowers...



And can I just add, Chloe's middle name just happens to be 'Faith' so it really is meant to be!

Needless to say, we are excited to learn what all of this will entail. The next step is a photo shoot of Chloe with the Faith Flowers doll, both wearing matching outfits, after which the photos will be used in the Fashion Friends advertising campaign. I have always thought Chloe looked just like a doll, but so neat to think that she really does look like a certain real-life doll soon to be made!

I believe the company has cast three out of the seven girls to represent the Fashion Friends, and are looking to complete casting decisions within the next month. Then the fun will begin! I will keep you all up to date on Chloe's Fashion Friends adventure, but for now, leave you with a few photos of my little Fashion Friend...

The New Playmates

Since Gabe and Cooper have both gone back to school {I should say, Gabe has gone back to school and Cooper has entered the world of full-day kindergarten,} the dynamics have changed a bit around here.

During the summer, Chloe would tag along with her older brothers, and they were {usually} pretty good about including her. But with them now in school, Chloe has been left to find other forms of entertainment...

Enter Gavin.



Poor, poor Gavin.



Certainly not the first boy with a sister to adorn all things girly, but definitely a new development in our household.

You see, Chloe has always been a bit oblivious to her younger brother Gavin. When he was born a year ago, I expected Chloe to either absolutely love him, or absolutely wish we could just leave him at the hospital. But instead, she was indifferent. It was as if he had always been in the family, and it made no difference to Chloe. Her world still turned as it always had. But the past few days, Chloe has started to pay quite a bit of attention to Gavin.

Maybe it's the fact that he's finally at the beginning stages of walking, and he's becoming more interactive. Or maybe, he's her last-resort playmate. Either way, Gavin is loving it, and Chloe is too.

I've found Gavin in some places I know he couldn't have managed to get into by himself, like in his new toy wagon...





And here...



...where I'm fairly certain Gavin did not position himself between the pig twins on Chloe's bed or choose to wear Chloe's very girly pink hat, again a victim to his sister's fashion stylings.

Chloe has also been taking advantage of her captive {literally} audience by singing to Gavin, which causes him to do this every time...


And I mean, every time. Chloe had her 3 year check-up for preschool the other day. The doctor asked her to sing her ABC's, and as soon as the singing kicked in, Gavin's hands went right over those ears. Hilarious.



Quite hilarious, really. But Chloe just keeps singing, and Gavin just keeps covering his ears. That is, until the singing just becomes too much, leading to this...



What can I say, except that life with only two of my four is still just as interesting as always around the Sanders household.

Yet in addition to the 'torture'... er, I mean 'play'... that Chloe subjects Gavin to, she can also be an extremely sweet and kind big sister. The other day, I took them outside to get a few photos. Gavin was crying about the cat running away {he loves the cat} so Chloe jumped right in to console him...



And he proceeded to pull her hat over her face...



At which, they both broke out in hysterical laughter...



Oh, the love of siblings.

Now what is going to happen when Chloe heads off to preschool in a few weeks?

Well, Gavin will get a break two mornings a week. But somehow, I think he may miss her a bit...

'Yeah-where'

{Click on the collage to view it larger. Just do it!}

Chloe has such a fun spirit. And at the tender age of three, I've found her sense of humor has really started to develop. She's always looking to get a laugh out of someone.

Yesterday I was editing photos, trying to get caught up from being on vacation. She came over to me at the computer and asked, "Mom, where are we going today?"

This is a common question from Chloe, as she's always ready to tackle the day and go somewhere.

I answered, "Mommy has to edit photos today. Sorry, Chloe, but we are going nowhere."

First a frustrated look came across her little face. Then, as I waited for a meltdown from my little girl who did not like my answer, I instead saw a little smirk develop across her lips and a gleam in her eye.

She then replied, "No, Mom. Don't you remember? We're going 'yeah-where!"

Clever! Not 'no-where' but 'yeah-where!"

As I broke out in laughter, so did she. I can always count on Chloe for a break from my work, and a happy heart! Oh, how I love the age of three :)

First Day of Kindergarten: Cooper

The verdict is in: Cooper LOVES kindergarten.

Cooper headed off to his first day of kindergarten today. In our school district, the kindergartners start two days after everyone else, using the first two days for meet & greet conference times with their teacher. Cooper has anticipated this day for a long time. Once we woke the boys up for school, Cooper got dressed and was waiting on the stairs to head outside for the bus in two seconds flat...


Once outside, Gabe proceeded to tell Cooper how he'd watch out for him today and show him the ropes as they watched for the bus to come down the road...


These two brothers have such a great friendship, and it's heartwarming to see it in action on days like today.




I held back the tears as I took a few photos of Cooper by himself. Seeing my big boy through that camera lens as I recounted all the photos of years past in my mind was almost too much for this mom



And as the bus pulled up and I watched my two big boys board it for a full day of school, the tears let loose...


I kept myself busy today playing catch up with my photography business and of course, watching Chloe and Gavin, all while anxiously awaiting the boys' return. Cooper arrived home with a big smile on his face and many stories to share. Stories of riding the school bus and eating lunch, of playing on the playground and finding his locker. But inter-weaved in all the stories was his brother Gabe, who really stepped up to the plate today and took care of his little brother. Gabe took account of where Cooper was sitting during lunch and made sure to give him advice on emptying his lunch tray. Gabe played with him at recess, helping him climb those big monkey bars. And he sat with him on the school bus until Cooper's friend, Grayce, boarded the bus, then scooting over to make room for her. I was so proud of them both as I heard them share stories of the day. It's so rewarding to see that these aren't merely two brothers raised in the same house, but two great friends.

I took one final photo of Cooper after school today. Doesn't he look exhausted!



I asked Cooper what the meaning of the number on his shirt was. He replied that it was so he didn't forget his bus number. When I asked him what his bus number was, Coop said, 'Ummm. Whatever bus Gabe got on.' I guess that's the most important thing ;)

First Day of Second Grade

It's that time of year again. The time of year when kids sport new shoes adorned with dewy grass as they wait for the school bus to arrive...

When boys and girls arm themselves with new backpacks, or in our case, the same backpack Gabe has had for the last four years...



{Click here for the best backpacks ever. Gabe has worn his through two years of preschool, kindergarten and first grade, and it's still like new!}

And it's the time of year when all of those bittersweet feelings overwhelm {sensitive} moms like me. The feelings of excitement for a new year and happiness that my son is so very confident and capable to handle the year ahead of him. And the feelings of sadness, the creeping loss of a son who is another year older, another year wiser, more independent, and less in need of his mom.

But although I battle these bittersweet feelings at the start of every school year, I know that by giving my son over to the Lord, He is in charge. He knows best, He will guide us and take care of us, and give us all the tools we need to handle anything this school year will bring our way. And He has given me a son who is independent and confident, but at the same time a son who gives his mom a hug and reminds me he'll miss me while he's gone....even if it is more to comfort me than it is actually true ;)

I am so thankful for the peace and comfort that only comes from the Lord, and for a son who lets the light of Christ shine through him everyday.




Happy first day of second grade Gabe. May you be blessed, and be a blessing to others this school year.